Q&A on cremations and related options for families
John Fritch, Ph.D., is chairman of the Funeral Service Department at the University of Central Oklahoma. His program offers one of the few bachelor’s degrees in funeral service in the nation. He also has written a book on cremation curriculum.
Q: What is a cremation?
A: In simple terms, a cremation is the burning of a body by intense heat and direct flames, reducing the body to bone fragments. It is a twoto three-hour process, depending on the size of the body. After the required time the cremation of the body is completed and the remains are left to cool. Then the bone fragments are removed from the crematorium and placed into a machine to pulverize the bones into fine granules.
Cremations are a step towards the final deposition of the body. Many more steps come after a cremation occurs and people need to understand their options.
Q: Is a cremation cheaper? A: From a starting standpoint, cremations are a lot cheaper, but it would be false to say that it is cheaper when you compare it to a traditional burial. If you prefer a basic cremation without memorialization, then it is cheaper, but that does not include a service or viewing. A person can spend just as much or more, if they desire, when they select cremation, similar to a burial service.
Q: What are the options with cremations?
A: Many people do not understand everything that can be done before and after a cremation. With cremations, families can have all of the same options that a traditional funeral with burial would have. A viewing, embalming or a funeral service with the body present are choices that few know about and can be done. Rental caskets are also an option that can save money but still allow a viewing. Once the service is completed, the body — which is in a casket insert made of cardboard — is slid out from the casket and cremated.
What families do with the cremated remains is also an important aspect of the cremation process. Many options exist when deciding the final disposition of cremated remains. Burial, entombment, taking the remains home, and scattering are a few options. When a family decides to scatter the cremated remains, I advocate that families save a small amount of the cremated remains in order to create a permanent memorial to commemorate their family member. When scattering cremated remains people should check their local laws to know where scattering is permissible.
It is also possible to inter cremated remains. This allows families who have already purchased a plot to bury their loved one there. Again, all service options are viable when a cremation is selected — chapel, church, graveside or other locations can serve as a suitable site for a funeral or memorial service.